Be aware when strangers come offering money, drugs or alcohol – this is how young people are lured away from family and put in danger. Young Aboriginal women and men are targets of violence whether it be abductions or murder or pulling them into prostitution or the sex trade. Be mindful every day of the dangers. It’s not necessarily a city issue, but they are more vulnerable in the city, especially in the Downtown East Side and in the East End - pretty well anywhere in Vancouver. Practice safety, be aware of the issues. When there is an opportunity to listen to the Vancouver police to talk about safety, go to workshops about safety and living in a city.
Find out what gives you passion. We’re making space for youth to live their dreams. It’s better than it was in the 60s and 70s when I was in school. You have a choice about the path to go on, and the choices you make when you are young can affect you the rest of your life.